By Peter Omopo
Governor Umo Eno has inaugurated a modern agricultural equipment leasing facility in Uyo, aimed at promoting mechanised farming and increasing food production in Akwa Ibom State.
The facility, commissioned at Ekpri Nsukara, is designed to support farmers with access to modern equipment and help transition agriculture from subsistence to commercial-scale operations.
Speaking at the event, the governor described the initiative as a major step toward transforming the agricultural sector, urging farmers to embrace farming as a profitable enterprise. He noted that the project represents the first phase of the state government’s equipment leasing programme, with additional phases expected in the future.
Eno also announced a 50 per cent subsidy on equipment leasing costs to encourage wider participation and boost productivity among farmers. He called on local government authorities to support the initiative by facilitating access for farmers to cultivate larger areas of land.
The governor commended the project engineer, Alorye Ogar, for her performance, highlighting her selection through the ARISE Procurement Portal based on merit, and encouraged young people, particularly women, to pursue excellence in their respective fields.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Offiong Offor, said the facility is equipped with 25 tractors and other implements, including planters, harrows, ploughs, and ridgers, which are expected to significantly ease the burden of mechanised farming.
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector welcomed the development, noting that the high cost of hiring farm equipment—estimated at about N150,000 per hectare—has been a major challenge for commercial farming. They expressed optimism that the new facility would reduce costs and improve productivity.
Community leaders and local government representatives also commended the state government for siting the project in the area and pledged their support for its success.
